Farmers MarketNutrition Program inAlaska

WIC FMNPDiane VanEppsAsst. WIC Vendor Coordinator

Senior FMNPJanelle GomezCommunity Nutritionist

What is FMNP?

• Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a federal program established by Congress in July 1992

• FMNP is administered through a Federal/State partnership

• USDA/FNS awards cash grants to State agencies such as agriculture or health departments

Purpose of FMNP

1) Provide fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits & vegetables to WIC participants

2) Provide nutrition education to participants

3) Expand awareness & use of farmers markets and increase their sales

How does FMNP work?

Participants receive coupons from WIC or Senior agency

Coupons are used to buy fresh produce at authorized farmers markets

Farmers turn coupons in to receive payment

Participants learn about farmers markets and receive nutrition education & healthful foods!

How is Nutrition Education provided?

Participants receive nutrition education materials with their coupons

Farmers provide tips and information about storage and preparation of fresh vegetables

FMNP staff do cooking demos at the farmers market

How do Farmers Benefit?

In 2005, WIC recipients spent over $200,000 at farmers markets.

The Senior FMNP generated $43,340 in sales.

Increased sales

Expanded customer base

Who is Eligible for

FMNP Benefits?

“WIC” stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.

WIC participants are:•Women who are pregnant or just had a baby•Children up to age 5•Infants (must be 4 months old

for FMNP)

WIC participants must meet income eligibility guidelines and be at nutritional risk.

WIC Population Served:

Senior Population Served:

• Seniors who are 60 and older

• Whose income is at or below 185% of poverty level

Who is NOT Eligible for SFMNP

• Spouses who are not yet 60

• Seniors who are 60 and over but do not meet income guidelines

• Disabled adults under age 60

History of FMNP in AK

WIC FMNP in AK

In 1998, WIC applied for a grant to pilot FMNP in Fairbanks.

Since then, the WIC FMNP has served:•Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla•Fairbanks, Delta, North Pole •Kenai, Soldotna, Homer•Kodiak Metlakatla•Dillingham NomeValdez

WI C FMNP Redemptions

20042003

20022001

2000

19991998

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

Year

Value

Senior FMNP in AK• 2001-SFMNP was piloted in Anchorage, Wasilla

& Mat-Su

• 2002- Fairbanks & North Pole were added

• 2003-05 - Served all the areas above, plus Nenana and Delta Junction

0500

100015002000250030003500

Receiving

Coupons

Redeeming

Coupons

Senior Participants

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

SFMNP Redemptions

$10,000$20,000$30,000$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,000$80,000$90,000

$100,000$110,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

funds overspent

funds not spent

funds spent

Who Can Participate?

Farmers & Farmers’ Markets

Criteria for AuthorizationMarkets: Availability of Locally Grown Produce

- (Quantity, Variety, Quality)

Accessibility to Potential Recipients

- Number of Participants in Area

- Location

Scheduled Dates and Hours

Farmstands: Location & Hours

Quantity & Selection of Produce

1) Farmers & Markets Apply

1) List produce grown & sold

2) Provide location(s) & hours

2) Applications Reviewed by

OCS/Family Nutrition Program staff

3) If approved, Agreement is signed by farmer/market/farmstand rep & State

4) Farmer is issued number stamp & decal.

Application Process

WIC &

Senior

FMNP

Rules Common to Both:

Eligible Foods

- Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs

- Must be locally grown in AK

- Processed Foods Not Allowed

NO: honey, preserves, eggs, nuts, seeds, meat, cheese, seafood, maple syrup, cider

Treatment of Customers

- NO discrimination

- Display FMNP signs to help

-customers find you- Provide equitable treatment

(Same quality, selection & price as offered

to others)

Redemption Rules(WIC and Senior)

• Do not charge sales tax• No change can be given to recipients• Farmer must provide full value in fruits

and/or vegetables • Stamp Farm # on front of each coupon• WIC & Senior Customers may use

warrants through October 31

Procedures that Differ

BetweenWIC & Senior

FMNP

WIC FMNP COUPONS (or WARRANTS)

•For 2006, warrants have $5.00 value

•Eligible recipients receive five $5.00 warrants = $25

Deposit or cash at your bank on a regular basis

Farmers must deposit by Nov. 30 (If they want to get paid!)

Redemption of WIC FMNP Warrants

SFMNP Coupons (sample from 2004)• Each coupon has $5.00 value• Eligible recipients receive six 5.00

coupons = $30

SFMNP Farmer Procedure• Submit coupons with a completed reimbursement form

to:– TBA in Anchorage area

– North Star Council on Aging in Fairbanks area

• Coupons accepted must be turned in for reimbursement within 30 days in order to receive payment

• All coupons must be turned in to the appropriate agency by Nov. 30

National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs

Cultivating Opportunities for Consumers to Buy Fresh Produce

from Local Growers

http://www.nafmnp.org/

How can farmers Support the FMNP?

Join the NAFMNP

For information about FMNP, contact:

WIC Farmers Market Program

Diane VanEpps 907-465-4704

Email: diane_vanepps@health.state.ak.us

Senior Farmers Market ProgramJanelle Gomez 907-269-8446Email:

janelle_gomez@health.state.ak.usIn accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture Policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex,

age, or disability.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

We look forward to a wonderful season and a bountiful harvest!